The skill of joinery developed when strong wooden constructions were required without the use of nails or screws.
A joiner would learn how to make mortise and tenon joints which were necessary to construct doors, drawers and other items of furniture.
It was one of the most difficult skills to master.
A carpenter on the other hand would use nails to construct wooden objects.
Nowadays of course those kind of skills aren't so necessary.
Joiners have a whole range of power tools for woodworking.
There used to be a distinction between a joiner and a carpenter, but this has become now somewhat blurred.
When Should I Hire a Joiner? A joiner is needed when you need wooden items constructed.
They can be used for anything from making custom-built cupboards to installing flat-packed cabinets.
Any professional joiner should be able to do the following:

• Install kitchen units including work tops
• Renovate bathrooms
• Make custom-built furniture and storage items
• Fit out offices

Of course many people will want to save some money and maybe tackle the job themselves.
This or course can be done, but remember that you can save money in the long run if you get a professional to do this.
For example, a joiner will already have many specialised tools at his disposal, not to mention his years of experience.
The Advantages of Hiring a Professional Joiner

1. A professional joiner knows what he is doing and usually will be able to come up with practical solutions.
   Unless you have experience in DIY, this could be a great advantage.
   
2. Working with wood can be dangerous work.
   There are power drills, circular saws and even the humble hammer can cause serious injury.
   
3. A professional joiner will probably have all lots of contacts in the trade.
   So he can be a great source for getting other tradesmen like painters and decorators to complete your project.
   The can usually purchase materials in bulk, and a scrupulous joiner will pass on those savings to you.
   
4. He will have the necessary tools.
   Unless you are going to undertake many DIY projects at your home, then the initial layout of purchasing tools can double and even triple the cost of the project.
   Even then, there are some tools which would only be needed once or twice and it's not worth buying them.
   

How to Find the Right Joiner There are a couple of ways to do this.
Of course, you could just look on the internet, or go to the Yellow Pages to find someone, but chances are that you can't be guaranteed a good job.
Recommendation from a friend.
This is usually the first place to start.
A trusted friend can tell you how good the job was and if the joiner was easy to deal with.
You also have the advantage that you can check out his work.
You might even get a cheaper price if a friend recommends the joiner.
Listing in a Trade Organisation.
For example, the British Woodworking Federation.
Every country will have their own organisations.
They scrutinise their members for quality of work and honesty.
This means that you can be almost guaranteed a good job, and if there's not something to your liking, then usually the joiner will be more than happy to sort it out rather than you taking up the issue with the trade association/federation.
Finding the Right Joiner So now you have the necessary tips to find a local joiner who will get the job done to your liking.
Remember, it's better paying a bit more to get the job done properly because in the end you will have live with it.
Trying to repair your own mistakes can work out more expensive also.